Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a new permit for New York bars and restaurants called the World Cup One-Day Permit, allowing small businesses across the state to host activations outside their premises and use outdoor space for World Cup-related events.
The governor also plans to work with the legislature to expand operating hours up until 4:00 AM during the tournament.
This push comes after Assemblymember Tony Simone called for a similar proposal to pass at a Hell’s Kitchen bar. Simone proposed the HOST Act in March which would have allowed the creation of “entertainment zones.”
“With the new World Cup One-Day Permit, businesses across the state can host off-site activities throughout the duration of the World Cup tournament instead of just a few days,” said Hochul in a release.
Businesses can apply for up to 12 one-day permits within a single application and submit multiple applications through the State Liquor Authority’s website.
Participating organizers that want to have outdoor events need to notify NYPD, obtain approval from the municipality, and have a “detailed diagram” of their alcohol service area which will have a fee for each point of sale
Similar to Simone’s proposal, this new plan does not clarify key details like clean-up contingency measures, or off-site events guidelines.
With less than two months until the start of the World Cup, the state hopes the announcement “builds on Governor Hochul’s efforts to capture World Cup excitement in New York State.”